Omar Valencia


Omar Javier Valencia Arauz is a Panamanian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls and the Panama national team.

Career

C.D. Plaza Amador

Born in Panama City, Valencia began his career with Panamanian club C.D. Plaza Amador. He graduated from Plaza Amador's youth setup, and made his senior debut during the 2022 Torneo Apertura. On 6 February 2022, Valencia made his league debut on matchday 1 in a 4–3 victory over Potros del Este.

Loan to New York Red Bulls II

On 11 August 2022, Valencia was loaned to Red Bulls II for the remainder of the 2022 [USL Championship season|2022] season, their last in USL Championship. Valencia made his debut for the team on 1 October 2022, against Phoenix Rising FC.
On 8 February 2023, Red Bulls II exercised their option to extend Valencia's loan through the 2023 [MLS Next Pro season|2023] season, the team's first in MLS Next Pro.
On 20 March 2024, Valencia made his U.S. Open Cup debut, appearing as a starter for New York Red Bulls II in a 5–1 victory over Hudson Valley Hammers in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Loan to New York Red Bulls

On 23 March 2024, Valencia and Mohammed Sofo were both called-up to the senior New York Red Bulls roster on a short-term loan ahead of the team's Major League Soccer match against Inter Miami. On 8 June 2024, Valencia made his debut for Red Bulls, coming on in the 89th minute for Daniel Edelman.

New York Red Bulls

On 9 December 2024, New York Red Bulls announced the signing of Valencia to a first team contract. Valencia began the 2025 campaign as a starter for New York. On 1 March 2025, he recorded his first assist for the club, assisting on Emil Forsberg's goal in a 2–0 victory over Nashville SC. Valencia was selected to the MLS team of the week for matchday 7, following his performance on 5 April 2025 in a 2–1 win against Chicago Fire, a match in which he assisted on Serge Ngoma's equalizer.

International career

Valencia was featured in Panama's squad at the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, earning four caps throughout the tournament. On 6 July 2023, Valencia was called up to senior Panama national team for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Honours

Panama